1.) What is a truss?

A wood truss is a pre-fabricated wooden structure that is designed to hold up roofs and ceilings. Trusses are used as an alternative to conventional rafter framing, and are often less expensive. Because trusses are made at an off-the-jobsite facility, they can greatly speed up the framing of a building.

Trusses take advantage of a strong triangular shape to distribute their load evenly. They are held together by metal connection plates at each joint. The metal plate is placed at the desired location and pressed into the wood by a large hydraulic press. The diagram below gives a breakdown of a truss’s components.

Trusses can be made into many shapes, in order to support countless roof designs. The most common roof types are a straight gable roof and a hipped roof. Trusses can be designed with a room built into them; this is referred to as an attic truss. They can also hold other portions of a roof through the use of a girder truss.

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2.) What are truss calculations?

They are mathematical calculations that are provided by a licensed structural engineer. 

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3.) When do you need a structural engineer?

R301.1.3 Engineered design. Where a building of otherwise
conventional construction contains structural elements
exceeding the limits of Section R301 or otherwise
not conforming to this code, these elements shall be
designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
The extent of such design need only demonstrate
compliance of nonconventional elements with other applicable
provisions and shall be compatible with the performance
of the conventional framed system. Engineered
design in accordance with the California Building Code is
permitted for buildings and structures, and parts thereof,
included in the scope of this code.
R301.1.3.1 California licensed architect or engineer.
When any portion of any structure deviates from substantial
compliance with conventional framing requirements
for woodframe construction found in this code,
the building official shall require the construction documents
to be approved and stamped by a California
licensed architect or engineer for that irregular or nonconforming
portion of work. Notwithstanding other
sections of law, the law establishing these provisions is
found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537
and 6737.1.

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4.) What is a stamp?

What should be included with an engineer’s seal? When an engineer seals and signs their name to a document, they are stating that they have prepared and reviewed all of the documents for proper resistance to the local building code requirements and done under their responsible charge and supervision. ‘Rubber stamping’ is a term used by Licensing Engineering Boards that is defined by placing your seal and signature on a document that the individual did not prepare under their review and supervision. It is punishable by a fine, a suspension and/or removal of their engineer’s license. If an engineer simply places his seal and signature on a document without preparing it under their review.

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5.) Types of projects that require plan review?

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